Combined table and computer-controlled projector unit

Abstract

A combined table and computer-controlled projector unit, comprises: (a) at least one table; (b) a stand supporting the table; (c) a projector controlled by a computer; and (d) an imaging system mounted on the stand, the imaging system causing an image to be projected onto the table. Because the unit combines both a table and the computer controlled projector unit, it can be readily installed and does not require any ceiling cabling.

1 . A combined table and computer-controlled projector unit, comprising:
 (a) at least one table;   (b) a floor stand supporting the table;   (c) a projector controlled by a computer;   (d) an imaging system mounted on the stand, the imaging system causing an image to be projected onto the table.   
     
     
         2 . The combined table and computer-controlled projector unit of  claim 1  in which the imaging system is the projector, and a single floor stand supports both the table and the imaging system. 
     
     
         3 . The combined table and computer-controlled projector unit of  claim 1  in which the projector is mounted on the stand and positioned above the table. 
     
     
         4 . The combined table and computer-controlled projector unit of  claim 1  in which the imaging system is a mirror oriented to reflect light from the projector onto the table. 
     
     
         5 . The combined table and computer-controlled projector unit of  claim 4  in which the projector is mounted on the stand and positioned below the table. 
     
     
         6 . The combined table and computer-controlled projector unit of  claim 1  in which the imaging system is surrounded by a shade. 
     
     
         7 . The combined table and computer-controlled projector unit of  claim 1  in which the table includes one or more integrated cursor control devices that are connected to the computer. 
     
     
         8 . The combined table and computer-controlled projector unit of  claim 7  in which the Cursor control devices are trackpads that are wirelessly connected to the computer 
     
     
         9 . The combined table and computer-controlled projector unit of  claim 1  in which the computer is mounted under the table. 
     
     
         10 . The combined table and computer-controlled projector unit of  claim 1  in which the computer is connected to a remote server. 
     
     
         11 . The combined table and computer-controlled projector unit of  claim 1  in which the computer is connected to an EPOS terminal. 
     
     
         12 . The combined table and computer-controlled projector unit of  claim 10  in which the computer is connected wirelessly or by cable to the remote server and EPOS terminal. 
     
     
         13 . The combined table and computer-controlled projector unit of any preceding  claim 1  in which the unit forms part of an interactive food and/or drink ordering system. 
     
     
         14 . The combined table and computer-controlled projector unit of  claim 13  in which the computer controlled projector projects a menu of food and/or drink selection options onto some or all of the table surface. 
     
     
         15 . The combined table and computer-controlled projector unit of  claim 14  in which the selection options are selectable by a user operating an interface device connected to the computer, such as a wireless track pad. 
     
     
         16 . The combined table and computer-controlled projector unit of  claim 1  which is portable, in that the unit is a unitary device in which in normal use the stand, projector and imaging system are all permanently, physically connected together so that the unit is adapted to be movable to different positions in a room or other space and does not have to be permanently installed. 
     
     
         17 . The combined table and computer-controlled projector unit of  claim 1 , and which needs only a power source and data connectivity to operate. 
     
     
         18 . The combined table and computer-controlled projector unit of  claim 17  in which the data connectivity is wireless. 
     
     
         19 . The combined table and computer-controlled projector unit of  claim 17  in which the data connectivity is cable-based. 
     
     
         20 . The combined table and computer-controlled projector unit of  claim 1 , in which the stand includes one or more rigid members to support the table and the imaging system. 
     
     
         21 . The combined table and computer-controlled projector unit of  claim 1  in which the stand is a single vertical rigid member mounted on a floor panel. 
     
     
         22 . The combined table and computer-controlled projector unit of  claim 1 , in which the stand includes at least one rigid member to support a table and a different rigid member to support the imaging system. 
     
     
         23 . The combined table and computer-controlled projector unit of  claim 1 , being modular in that multiple such units can be pushed together to form a larger, combined unit, with flush fitting sides. 
     
     
         24 . The combined table and computer-controlled projector unit of  claim 1 , in which power cabling is routed through the floor. 
     
     
         25 . (canceled)